Hundreds of people have signed up to access free online help tailored to support them in managing diabetes in Kent and Medway.
Since the myDiabetes online platform launched in the county in April 2021, more than 700 people have registered to use it and have accessed 948 educational video sessions.
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (KMCCG) worked with the Paula Carr Diabetes Trust to introduce the platform, provided by my mhealth.
Following a referral from a GP or clinician, patients are asked to fill in details, such as their blood glucose levels or body mass index (BMI), to tailor the delivery of the service to their needs.
GP surgeries, including Northgate Medical Centre in Canterbury, St Andrews Medical Centre in Tunbridge Wells, Swanscombe Medical Centre in Swanscombe and New Hayes Bank Surgery in Ashford, alongside Kent Community Health Foundation Trust (KCHFT), Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and Medway Community Healthcare have been referring patients to the platform.
GP Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Kent and Medway, Dr Rebecca Prince, said: “The myDiabetes platform is being used already in some clinics throughout Kent and Medway and will soon be made available to more patients throughout the county.
“The platform is helping patients to understand more about several aspects of living with diabetes and we hope that, through this knowledge, patients will feel more empowered to manage their diabetes day-to-day.
“The educational resources cover a wide range of topics, from looking after your feet to diet and exercise.
“Progress and results of a patient’s diabetes care can be monitored through the app and information shared with the patient's clinician, complementing and enhancing their usual diabetes care."
Global Transformation Lead for my mhealth, Ian Thompson said: "Diabetes education is a core component of a patient’s care.
“The more an individual knows about their diabetes, the more capable they are to manage their condition and the risks of developing further complications.
“It’s exciting for us to be working closely with multiple diabetes teams throughout the Kent and Medway area.”
Before the end of the year, my mhealth plans to roll-out the myDiabetes app to a further 30 clinical services, including GP practices, hospital trusts and other community services, across Kent and Medway.
Speak to your doctor or clinical team to get access to the myDiabetes platform, which is available online or as an application on an iPhone or Android.
For more information visit https://mymhealth.com/mydiabetes.